Git Worktree - Multiple Working Trees, One Repo

Definition

The git worktree command lets you check out more than one branch at the same time from a single repository. Each worktree is a separate working directory with its own checked-out branch, but they all share the same .git object store and history. It is the clean way to work on two branches in parallel without cloning the repository twice.

The problem it solves

Imagine you are deep in a feature branch when an urgent bug report arrives. Normally you would have to stash your work, switch branches, fix the bug, switch back, and unstash — disruptive and error-prone. With worktrees, you simply create a second working directory checked out to the hotfix branch, fix the bug there, and leave your feature work completely untouched.

Adding a worktree

Point git worktree add at a path and a branch. To check out an existing branch into a sibling directory:

git worktree add ../hotfix hotfix

This creates ../hotfix with the hotfix branch checked out. To create a brand-new branch at the same time, use -b:

git worktree add -b experiment ../experiment main

You now have two independent working directories backed by one repository.

Listing and removing worktrees

See every working tree attached to the repository:

git worktree list

When you are done with one, remove it (this deletes its directory):

git worktree remove ../hotfix

If you delete a worktree's folder manually, tidy up the stale administrative entry with:

git worktree prune

Common options

Command	Description
`git worktree add <path> <branch>`	Creates a working tree at `<path>` checked out to `<branch>`.
`git worktree add -b <new> <path>`	Creates a new branch and checks it out in a new working tree.
`git worktree list`	Lists all working trees attached to the repository.
`git worktree remove <path>`	Removes a working tree and its directory.
`git worktree prune`	Cleans up records for working trees whose folders were deleted.

One rule to remember

A branch can only be checked out in one worktree at a time. If you try to add a worktree for a branch that is already checked out elsewhere, Git refuses. This guarantees the two directories can never fight over the same branch pointer.

Practice

Which statements about 'git worktree' are correct?

It lets you check out multiple branches at once, each in its own directory, sharing one .git store.
It is useful for fixing an urgent bug without stashing your current feature work.
The same branch can be checked out in several worktrees simultaneously.
'git worktree remove ' deletes a working tree and its directory.
Each worktree requires a full separate clone of the repository's history.